[racer7]

Hello,

I've already read some very helpful posts on here. However a lot are kind after 'traditional' holidays. I've got a slightly different plan in that I want to go snowboarding for the world class powder!

Trying to sort out my itinery and it's causing me some probs. I was hoping to glean some advice or better options.

I'm flying in Tokyo (Narita) on the 15th March 2010 with a view to:

15 - 18th March
• 3 days in Tokyo (districts and a day to the Ghibli museum, already booked)

19th to 21st
• 3 days in kyoto

22nd and 23rd
• 2 days Tokyo with a trip to DisneySea or land then travel to Nagano (not sure what resort yet)

24th - 27th
• 3 days snowboarding there then travel to Hokkaido (most likely Niseko)

28th - 4th April
• 7 days there (or will I get bored? should I split more with Nagano?) travel back to tokyo

5th April
• 1 day dossing
leave (6th April)

I'm struggling to see how £500 internal flight from Haneda to New Chitose (for Niseko) is even a remote consideration.

I did want to mix it up with the different terrains of Nagano and Hokkaido.

I'm wondering if it's possible to catch an overnight from Tokyo to Nagano and then onto Niseko and then back to Tokyo with the JR pass? I imagine (especially with the 3 days in Kyoto that this would be a cheap and best option.

I'd like to hear and am happy to take advice about my itinery. The city part will be with a friend then I'm snowboarding on my own.

The other think is what do I do with my snowboard for the first 10days!? The airport lockers look too small and I don't want to travel around with it. I read about the Takkyubin service which is cool but wonder if they'd keep it somewhere until i got there to collect?

Got no hotels booked so am open to suggestions. The bit I'm nervous about is the snowboarding on my own. I'd like to meet people but am not into the whole party/drinking vibe. And whilst am happy to lodge with others I'd really like a room to sleep to myself. Also as my Japanese is non-existent I need to be mindful of that!

It's a lot there - but I guess this will remove the need to clarify. Please help turn my 15year dream into a memorable reality!

Thanks!